
Class H H MSS- 
Book-i^g/5" 



101 Ways of Making 

Money for Women 

at Home 




By MARIAN DANA MARSHALL 



101 Ways of Making Money 
for Women at Home 



By MARIAN DANA MARSHALL 



Copyrighted 1918 
By MARIAN DANA MARSHALL 



FOR SALE BY 
THE COLLINS STUDIO, Webster City, Iowa 









A 



A Woman's Opportunity 



In all sections of the country, there are thousands of women living 
under widely different circumstances, on the farm, in the village and 
in the city who are today confronted with the problem of earning a 
living or who are possessed of the laudable ambition of accomplishing 
something ' ' worth while ' \ Many of these are in a position to devote 
a large amount of their time to some chosen activity; others with home 
duties requiring most of their time have been able to liberally supplement 
limited family incomes. 

In presenting the following suggestions for money making, agreeable, 
dignified, practical plans have been offered with the earnest hope that 
they will prove stepping stones to success to multitudes of energetic, 
courageous, optimistic women in addition to the vast numbers who have 
already proven their value. As a matter of convenience the suggestions 
are listed under the heads of "Food", "Clothing", "Shelter", "Recrea- 
tion", "Education", and "Miscellaneous". They have been gathered 
from many sources, with ' ' The Woman at Home ' ' in mind, and the 
confident expectation that many will be led to make a careful study of 
personal resources and aptitudes, physical strength, spare time, and 
home claims, and will then grasp the real oppurtunity their community 
presents to them. 

MAEIAN DANA MARSHALL 



AUG 21 1918 
OGLA508188 



n 



FOOD 

TAKING IN REGULAR BOARDERS 

If we were to call the roll of college graduates and other young 
people who have made an enviable place in the world for themselves, 
we could find among them many young men and young women who, 
in accounting for their ' ' chance ' ' would say, ' ' my mother took in 
boarders and helped me until I could help myself". 

In contemplating this undertaking, one should think of it in a matter 
of fact, practical way, summon all her good judgment, and begin to 
make her plans. Those who have had large experience advise making 
a start in a house that will accommodate at least ten boarders with the 
idea of gradually increasing the number. A small number does not pay. 
Location in a desirable neighborhood within easy access of the car line 
is of primary importance. The heating and plumbing systems should be 
in good condition. The health-giving properties of sunlight help to 
make a house wholesome, therefore select a house with this ideal illumina- 
tion. 

The dining room should greet you hospitably the moment you cross 
the threshold. The qualities of cleanliness, cheerfulness and comfort 
should always be apparent. For floor covering an inlaid linoleum with 
marble effect is most appropriate and practical. The walls should be 
light.' A good quality of opaque shade with soft madras or marquisette 
curtains may be obtained. For tables, the small round or square ones 
seating from four to six persons are preferable. The chairs and other 
furniture should be plain and substantial. A piano or victrola in an 
adjoining room is a good investment. Attractive, inexpensive dishes 
should be chosen. An ample supply of snowy white linen creating an 
atmosphere of nicety and refinement is indispensable. For the dining 
room, some sort of a drop light is essential. 

There are several hard-fast rules for those who would be successful; 
personal neatness of mistress and maid; absolute cleanliness in all 
appointments; careful marketing; well cooked viands; promptness al- 
ways; consideration of servants and good business principles. 

SUMMER BOARDERS 

The woman who lives in the country will find that she has many 
opportunities which do not come to the woman in the city. Given a 
comfortable farm house with modern conveniences (many of them are 
so arranged, or can be so arranged with a comparatively small expendi- 
ture of money and ingenuity), and the resources of a well managed farm; 



a good bank account should result at the close of the season. Wholesome 
milk, cream, butter, eggs and honey are valuable assets, while fresh 
vegetables and fruit are greatly appreciated by city people who are 
often denied such treats. Special attention should be given to beautify- 
ing the lawn and walks. The average farmer gains all of the physical 
exercise necessary to his well being in the performance of his daily 
task, but the city guest finds the tennis court, a ball field and a croquet 
green large contributors to his pleasure and physical well being. Fishing, 
excursions, and hikes, all involving considerable walking make up a large 
part of a summer outing. 

BOARDING CHILDREN 

One teacher tells her experience in caring for children on a farm. 
Returning to her country home, after a year's work in the school room, 
the charm and freedom of the out-of-doors made a strong appeal. Her 
own home, beautifully located, easily accessible, was a wonderland 
of woods and water. Just the place to quicken a child's interest and 
to develop both mind and body. There was pure water and every con- 
venience for safety and comfort. Surely the promised yield of choice 
berries would prolong the berry eating season and fill what would other- 
wise be a gap in the summer 's fresh supply, then would come the cherries 
and other vigorous growing fruits. The ' ' Garden Bountiful ' ' with its 
attractive display, was another factor in helping her to make her decision. 
She added a pond, some play ground apparatus, swings and hammocks. 
Then little cards of announcement were sent out. These stated the 
advantages of the location and the time for opening, June 15, exclusively 
for children from 5 to 13 years of age, under the supervision of a 
trained kindergartner who would take entire charge of the children, 
giving lessons in singing, riding, swimming, basketry and needlework. 
The terms including care of wardrobe and laundry were $7 per week, 
or $25 per month payable in advance. 

After two vacation experiences, she was enabled to make payments 
on the farm, and to build an addition of eight rooms to the house. 
Many mothers wishing to have some one care for their children for a 
time, became enthusiastic patrons. 

WAYSIDE REFRESHMENT 

One of the newest, most effective ways for country women to make 
money is to establish a wayside tea room. How many enthusiastic 
automobile tourists have longed for a comfortable roadside resting place 
where they might "brush up", and then proceed to satisfy the appetite 
sharpened by miles of driving over dusty roads and quickened by fruit 
laden valleys and delightful refreshing gardens. 



Two young women who had been confined to city offices for several 
years decided upon a change of occupation and environment. The matter 
of opening a place of wayside refreshment was seriously considered. 
A most desirable location offered itself, but the only building left on 
the farm was a barn, the house having been destroyed by fire. This 
was thoroughly disinfected and renovated, and some plain tables and 
chairs were purchased. An attractive sign was displayed. Notices 
sent to garages and shops in the cities and insertions in the newspapers 
served to advertise the roadside tea room. 

An added porch was utilized for serving much of the time. One long 
table was conspicuously placed under an oak tree. This was laden with 
fresh eggs and home made jams. Later a gift shop was added. The 
returns at the close of the season were most gratifying. Strict business 
principles had governed them in all of their planning. Everything was 
delightfully clean and refreshing, food always well prepared and daintily 
served. The articles of food most eagerly sought by city patrons were 
provided by the dairies, orchards, and gardens of the country district. 

TAKE-ME-HOME SHOP 

One woman decided to open what she called a " Take-me-Home ' ' 
Shop. Her past experience had led her to appreciate the anxiety of 
many housewives to manage their households with as great economy of 
expense and energy as possible. Tempting soups, wholesome, delicious 
baked beans, attractive salads and desserts, alluring thrift dishes with 
prominence given to conservation foods, all helped to solve the problem 
of preparing meals quickly and satisfactorily. The scrupulous care in 
the selection of materials, and the immaculate cleanliness pervading 
everything made customers enthusiastic in their praise. Women living in 
apartments who had formerly been dependent upon delicatessen stores 
were quick to avail themselves of the opportunity to transfer their 
patronage. 

COLLEGE TEA ROOM 

Practically a sure money making venture is found in a charming 
tea room in the heart of a college community. A tea room which stands 
for daintiness in all of its appointments and service, serving afternoon 
tea and light luncheons is certain to appeal to the discriminating taste 
of the average college girl. A room or rooms available for special 
occasions will be in almost constant demand during the college year. 
The- tea rooms, restaurants, and hotels all co-operate in conserving 
essential army food for the use of the armies. So many deliciously 



appetizing dishes are possible that it is a real household triumph to 
serve them. The spirit of the American student is so fine that she will 
not only be satisfied with such service but will anticipate it. 

USE OF KITCHENETTE 

The teachers and nurses rooming in a certain section of the city were 
greatly inconvenienced in arranging for their meals. A select board- 
ing house within walking distance served most delicious, satisfying lunch- 
eons, and dinners, but made no provisions for breakfasts. Some of the 
boarders adopted a two-meal-a-day plan, while others walked a greater 
distance and were poorly rewarded. One woman who observed the 
attendant difficulties conferred with three of the number, and then 
decided to fit up a pleasant room in her house where breakfasts might 
be prepared. She kept on hand cereals, bacon, ham, fresh eggs and cream. 
If an order for fresh fruit were left with her the previous day, this would 
be supplied. The charge was $1.50 per month for the use of the kitchen- 
ette. Provisions were offered at store prices. The novelty of the plan 
was appealing, and teachers and nurses came singly and in groups to 
prepare their morning meal. 

SERVING BREAKFASTS 

It is a well known fact that the majority of people overeat; it is 
likewise a well known fact that the average college boarding hall 
apparently fails to appreciate the importance of supplying the proper 
fuel to the intricate living engine, the human body. The ever hungry 
"big boy" of the college, to whom, as a class, the adorable dainties of 
the typical college tea-room make little appeal, will vouch for the con- 
tinued patronage of the "Breakfast Room" where every morning over 
steaming coffee cups, an opportunity is afforded to tarry a moment to 
discuss a knotty problem in mathematics or an involved sentence in 
Horace. The tempting cakes generously served with maple syrup, savory 
ham and eggs act as a mental stimulus while the inner man is being 
satisfied. 

The woman who aspires to meet this need in a college community, 
should remember that rooms have as much expression as faces, and that 
the first essential for a cheerful room is sunshine. Good taste should 
dictate all along the line. These young men who are away from home 
appreciate and are influenced by home-like surroundings and motherly 
interest. Sample menus may be placed in fraternity and college halls 
to help advertise, though a satisfied patron is the best advertisement. 
Put your best thought to the matter, plan meals that all may have a 



generous, substantial diet which will not grow monotonous, but will be 
always appetizing and nourishing. You will soon find that the capacity 
of your room will be taxed to the limit. 

COLLEGE SPREADS 

That there is a vast deal of difference between a college dormitory 
and the home from which the college girl comes, goes without the saying. 
The girl who is actively engaged in the Y. W. C. A. work, or who is 
identified with a sorority may feel this less than her classmate who is 
not. The woman who can help bridge over this gap, is sure to be popular 
with the girls, and will have more than one opportunity to make mone . 
The jolly spreads and larks seem to be established institutions. The 
knickknacks and delicacies so scarce on the dormitory table will add to 
the good cheer of the impromptu and formal feasts of college life. A 
room for college parties is always in demand. A motherly woman who 
has a room or rooms for use on such occasions, who can prepare the 
refreshments and act as chaperon, endears herself to the girls and makes 
possible for herself a nice income during the year. 

CATERING FOR SOCIAL FUNCTIONS 

Women living in cities or in small towns where there is little com- 
petition, will find profitable employment in catering for social functions. 
One woman in a small town sent out the following announcement. ' ' Mrs. 
Smith will be glad to serve refreshments for club entertainments, and 
other social functions, or to furnish light luncheons. Will also act as 
hostess if desired". It was necessary to employ only one maid, as the 
young women interested were glad to assist on many occasions. 

One young woman who was employed as a maid, decided to become 
a caterer as soon as possible. She was granted permission to attend a 
cooking class one evening during the week at the night school. After 
two years study in the night school, she planned to enter a cooking 
school. The teacher knowing her plans, and needing some one to have 
oversight of the maid, offered her the opportunity of living at the school 
and assuming this responsibility. She was allowed to make engagements. 
Later she went into a home of her own and employed two trained maids. 
Her appointments were made weeks ahead. Club functions, receptions, 
dinners, wedding breakfasts, and other social functions kept her engage- 
ment book filled. 

CATERING FOR INVALIDS 

The woman who is looking for an opportunity to earn money should 
try catering for invalids. The chances are that she will not have a com- 
petitor. This work may be carried on largely under the direction of a 



physician, and commands better prices than ordinary cooking. One 
will do well to give special attention to the so-called ' ' soft diet ' ', which 
includes broths, strained vegetable soups, soft cooked eggs, milk toast, 
junkets, custards, jellies and raw beef sandwiches. For "light diet" 
in addition to the "soft diet", learn to prepare chops, chicken, and 
underdone steak, baked potatoes and farinaceous puddings. Pastry and 
all rich and highly seasoned food should be avoided. In diabetes, gluten 
bread should be used, saccharine should be used instead of sugar for 
sweetening and for cooking also. The same is true of rheumatism and 
gout. One should be careful to follow a physician 's directions in the 
matter of food for the sick as a great deal of harm is frequently done 
by those who do not understand. Make every dish look as attractive 
as possible. Linen and dishes should be spotless and silver and glass 
shining. Do not serve too much of anything. Delicacies which come 
as_surprises are more apt to be appreciated. Dishes prepared should be 
very hot or very cold as the case requires. If the caterer has spare time 
enough to raise some choice flowers, she will find many an opportunity 
to brighten the sick room, and to add a dainty touch to sick room service. 

PREPARING LUNCHES 

Another opportunity that lies close at hand is the preparation of 
lunches. One young woman whose home was near a high school which 
had no cafeteria, conceived the idea of furnishing fifteen cent lunches. 
The usual lunch was composed of sandwiches, home made cake and fruit. 
The lunches were carefully wrapped in paraffin paper and a paper napkin 
always enclosed. The same plan may be put into operation by supplying 
wholesome lunches to clerks and other employees in down town districts 
who find it impossible to go home for luncheon. One woman decided 
upon a successful plan of furnishing lunches to travelers. The co- 
operation of the newsboy on the train made possible the securing of 
definite orders from the passengers in advance which he telegraphed from 
the next station. Hot drinks were provided in the same way, the news- 
boy assuming the responsibility for the cups and delivering them to the 
cook. 

BASKET LUNCHEONS FOR PICNICS 

Anyone skilled in the culinary art with a reputation for delicious 
picnic luncheons that put an edge on a jaded appetite will find her 
specialty a lucrative one during the summer season when excursions 
to river, woods and mountains are of constant occurrence. Out of door 
recreation and feasting belong to the heated season for the most part, 
but the question of good lunches becomes one for study. Young people 

8 



in offices and stores, many of them away from their homes, appreciate 
this service. If the cook excels in her sandwiches, salads and baked 
beans, she will find her popularity for these occasions assured. Lunches 
that are economical, wholesome and appetizing will be the rule. Left- 
over meats in combination or alone may be utilized in preparing sand- 
wiches. Fresh fruit should always be taken for granted. A small 
one compartment fireless cooker, with a triple nesting set of containers 
will be a valuable asset. Three kinds of food may be kept piping hot, 
or on the other hand as many may be chilled. 

PARCEL POST DINNERS 

A number of women living on farms have given emphasis to a phase 
of mail order business that has brought good returns, that, of sending 
the main articles for a Sunday dinner by post. In this way a response to 
the constant appeal for things fresh from the farm is delightfully met. 
There is always a demand for poultry, young birds for broiling and quick 
cooking, and full grown fowls for broths and stews. Squabs are con- 
sidered a great delicacy. Choice vegetables, delicious fruits, fresh butter 
and eggs, in fact, the very best from bounteous field, pasture, garden, 
vineyard and orchard, a real expression of completeness may be sent to 
the city housewife by parcel post. 

HOME HAMPER MARKETING 

In response to the calls from the government, millions of men, 
women, boys and girls have enlisted in the army of American gardeners, 
$350,000,000.00 has been added to the national treasury as a result, it has 
been estimated, during the past year. The slogan for this year is not only 
more gardens, but better gardens. Gardening has become a patriotic 
duty. The aim has been for each community as far as possible to care 
for its own needs. The city dweller is frequently not in a position to do 
this. The post office department comes to the rescue of the producer 
and the consumer in an effort to act as a medium. The names of pros- 
pective customers in the cities who have been listed as such will b,e 
furnished upon request to market gardeners who have given names and 
addresses to the department. The gardener who contemplates doing a 
Home Hamper business should grow a large variety of vegetables. Ex- 
perienced shippers have made use of two sizes of hampers, Georgia 
Carriers or California fruit crates. The smaller size known _as the 
Junior Hamper, with a capacity of 16 quarts, selling for $1.00, and the 
Senior Hamper with a capacity of 24 quarts, selling at $1.50. Prices 
vary with seasons. The vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned, partly 
dried, and the crates lined with green paraffin paper. The express and 



parcel post charges within a certain radius are paid by the shipper, excess 
charges are paid by the recipient. After the supply of summer vege- 
tables and fruit is used, butter, eggs, cottage cheese, jams, jellies, pickles 
and poultry may be shipped. 

WOMEN FARMERS 

We are told that there are in round numbers 6,000,000 American 
women working for wages. Many of these are victims of poor health 
because of long hours and confinement of factory, office and school room. 
Such conditions will lead many of our new American women to eventually 
become farmers. Courageous, independent, womanly workers are now 
finding their places in growing vegetables and fruits, raising chickens, 
planting flowers, operating dairies and supervising the work in fields and 
meadows. 

The Bryn Mawr girls under the leadership of their dean, Miss Helen 
Taft, successfully operated a farm last summer. Another group of girls 
managed a large dairy farm. Miss Ida Ogilvie, Department of Geology, 
Barnard College, acted as dean of the Woman's Agricultural Camp last 
summer. Here professional women, industrial workers, graduates and 
under graduates, held themselves in readiness to respond to the calls 
for help which came from near-by farmers. One woman raised nine 
children, farmed 1,000 acres and in-vented a corn harvester and baler. 
By simplifying and systematizing all work and making use of labor 
saving devices wherever possible the farming industry will no longer 
be an impossible one for women. 

RAISING POULTRY 

To Representative Dawson, we are indebted for the following: 
"Poets may sing of the glory of their eagle and artists may paint the 
beauty of birds of plumage, but the American hen is entitled to a high 
tribute for her industry, usefulness and productivity. In less than 00 
days she can equal the total production of all of our gold mines". The 
growth of the poultry business is marvelous. Some one has called it 
Uncle Sam's billion dollar business. 

There are different departments in poultry raising, Fancy Breeding, 
Fresh Egg, Broiler, Roaster, and Capon business. Fresh eggs are always 
in demand. Those who are making the production of eggs the main 
line, may, by careful selection, establish a reputation for egg production, 
and secure large orders for setting purposes. Fancy poultry raising is 
fascinating and offers large profit. In giving special attention to the 
broiler and roaster business, the profits are increased by dressing at least 
part of the output. There are a number of important standard breeds. 
The laying out of the poultry plant, the system of housing, equipment, 



feeding and marketing are all subjects which should receive thoughtful 
attention on the part of the would-be-successful poultry raiser. There 
are a number of helpful books published that throw much light on the 
problems of the poultry farm. Poultry journals, government bulletins, 
and Poultry Associations are all invaluable. 

RAISING DUCKS t 

One who has had large experience tells us that there is less disappoint- 
ment in raising ducks than any other line of poultry. They are easier 
to feed, not so generally subject to disease, and require less care. The 
Indian Eunner Ducks will outlay hens. If fed for that purpose, they 
will begin to lay in four and one-half to five months. They average 
200 eggs a year, and when sold commercially, their eggs will bring more 
than hens' eggs. When two to six months old, they sell readily for meat, 
are considered a great delicacy, and bring liberal prices. Two sisters in 
Long Island sell 30,000 ducks annually at their home, "Tangle Wood 
Eanch ' \ 

RAISING BELGIAN HARES 

Belgian hares are more profitable than domestic rabbits. There is 
large demand for them as pets, fine specimens selling for $5 to $10. 
Raising fine meat domestic rabbits is an attractive proposition. The 
meat is tender and palatable. One pound of meat can be produced 
cheaper with Belgian hares, because the cheapest known food can be 
used for raising them, hay, grass and dandelions are on the list. In 
raising Belgian hares one is not only reducing the cost of living, but 
performing an act of patriotism. A small city lot with the outlay of 
a few dollars for housing and fencing, will enable one to get a good start, 
provided the foundation stock is the best, and careful, painstaking work 
is done. As in the raising of poultry, so in the raising of Belgian hares, 
women have established themselves successfully in business. 

Mrs. Robert M. Guggenheim, Frienze Rabbitery, Babylon, L. I., has 
attracted wide and favorable comment on the results of her work, win- 
ning a number of prizes at different exhibitions. One dealer received 
a $5,000 single order for Belgian hares. 

The canning of the product is being done on a large scale at the 
present time. In seeking to establish a local trade, it might be well to 
plan a series of demonstrations in the cooking and serving of the meat. 
There are a number of reliable books published on the rabbit industry. 
Young rabbits from six to ten weeks old have found easy market at 
sixty cents each. 

11 



BEE CULTURE 

Bee culture is worthy of much more general attention than it is 
receiving today. A number of women have started apiaries that are 
bringing them gratifying returns. The fact that it is a business requir- 
ing considerable special knowledge and watchfulness makes it particularly 
adapted to women on the farm. A vigorous swarm of bees, clean hives, 
and a food supply involving a travel of not more than one quarter of a 
mile ought to produce one hundred pounds of honey at $15 to $20 and 
one hundred colonies would earn $1,500 to $2,000 per year. One woman 
raises bees and uses the honey extensively in making confectionery. 
Another who has myriads of bees supplies honey from her back yard 
apiary to hundreds of people in Boston. 

GROWING ONIONS 

Onions constitute one of the most important crops grown. Well 
prepared, well drained, rich loamy soil is a necessity. Onions should 
be grown under a system of crop rotation. One must be sure of the 
vitality of the seed. There are a number of popular strains. A great 
many growers throughout the country prefer the Yellow Danvers type 
to all others. In many sections, they command the highest market 
prices. The Prize Taker Onion is one of the largest and handsomest 
onions. From 250 to 450 bushels per acre may be grown on soil adapted 
to onion cultivation. A profit of $50,000 a year is realized by Mrs. E. C. 
Dodd, the "Onion Queen from her Texas ranch where she grows more 
Bermuda onions than are grown in Bermuda. 

FRUIT RAISING 

Growing the apple is a most profitable commercial proposition. 
There is prospect for four times the income from this source as from a 
similar acreage devoted to ordinary farm crops. Cherry trees require 
little attention, are thrifty, vigorous and prolific bearers. The straw- 
berry is highly prized. The everbearing variety is rapidly finding a place 
in the home garden. The raspberry, one of the few fruits retaining 
original flavor when preserved, always find a ready market. Currants 
are hardy. Judicious care will triple the size of the fruit. If one can 
find it possible to can and preserve the products of the orchard and 
garden, the profits are greatly increased. 

MUSHROOM CULTURE 

Some one has said that the "mushrooms belong to the furbelows of 
life and arc more ornamental than useful". Be that as it may there is 
an increasing demand for mushrooms. While the industry is practically 

12 



new, there are a great many who are devoting some time to the growing 
of this delicious fungi as a means of adding an inexpensive luxury to 
the family larder. Very few, unless it be professional growers or wealthy 
amateurs, will have a house specially adapted to mushroom growing to 
begin with. Closed sheds, unused barns, caves, cellars, and under benches 
in green houses where a temperature of from 55 to 60 degrees can be 
maintained are sufficient. The making up of the bed is important. The 
English spawn is without doubt the best obtainable. This comes in 
bricks. Reliable seedsmen can supply spawn of good quality. Beds 
should yield at least one pound of mushrooms to a square yard, sometimes 
the yield will be greater. The price ranges from fifty cents to one dollar 
and fifty cents per pound. The crop should be carefully gathered as 
the mushroom is delicate. When they have matured they should be 
picked every day or two. 

Any one contemplating the raising of mushrooms for home use or 
for market, should inquire diligently into the matter. Bulletin No. 204 
may be had from the Department of Agriculture, Washington, .D. C. A 
number of leading seedsmen also issue reliable bulletins. An interesting 
treatise on the raising of mushrooms is offered by A. V. Jackson, pro- 
prietor of the Jackson Mushroom Farm, Chicago, 111. Mr. Jackson enjoys 
the distinction of having the largest mushroom farm in the United States 
if not in America. Now a highly prosperous business man, he tells of his 
beginnings. "I did not own a stick of furniture in the world nor a foot 
of land". Within thirteen years he has established himself, putting 
$25,000 into building up his plant, gathering as high as 3,000 pounds a 
week from his beds. One woman also conducts a large plant. 

PICKLING FOR PROFIT 

While the professional pickle growers annually place thousands of 
barrels of pickles on the market, there is an increasing demand for the 
irresistible home made pickle, one of the most delicious condiments for 
meat. Cucumbers, gherkins, string beans, green peppers (bull nose va- 
riety), beets, and cauliflower are raised by most market gardeners. The 
profits on these vegetables would be greatly increased by making them 
into pickles. Grow from pedigreed seed, which under normal conditions 
will sustain the national reputation of our reliable seed houses. Select 
the choicest and firmest vegetables. Unless there is some special reason 
they should be picked and pickled the same day, that none of the wonder- 
ful blend of tang and flavor escapes. At a time of financial stringency, 
Mrs. Ellen Kidd of Richmond, Virginia, was advised by her friends 
to put some of her delicious prize pickles on the market. Her "Pin 
Money Pickles" are now widely known throughout our own and several 
other countries. 



CANNING AND PRESERVING 

The woman who has a practical knowledge of canning and preserv- 
ing will find in this a substantial means of profit. The government 
has come to the rescue of the housewife in the conservation of surplus 
perishable fruits and vegetables. In addition to co-operating with all 
of the state agencies, bulletins, most of which are free, have been pre- 
pared by specialists. One who wishes to make the products of her 
kitchen cannery attractive and popular, should resolve to make it not 
only economical, but first class in every way. Study to retain, when 
possible, the original flavor, color and texture of fruits and vegetables. 
Jams, fruit butters and marmalades can be made from small fruits not 
whole enough or firm enough to use in other ways. 

When products are packed for sale, the State Food Commissioner 
should be consulted as to state regulations regarding such products. If 
packed for interstate shipment, information concerning requirements 
under Food and Drugs Act should be obtained from the Bureau of 
Chemistry. A real national service may be rendered through this 
industry. 

JAMS, JELLIES AND MARMALADES 

Almost every one today is interested in the conservation of national 
resources. Some of the greatest losses are apt to come in the crops of 
perishable fruits. Novelties in the preserve line bring large returns. 
In buying, purchase in large quantities. Use strictest economy in pre- 
paring your product. Inferior fruits, cores and skins, thoroughly cleaned, 
may under pressure yield juice for jellies. One woman in New York in 
seven years has built up a trade yielding $7,000 annual profit from jellies 
and canned goods. In 1913, Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor of California began 
selling her products. Last year she shipped over 300 tons of canned 
fruit, worth $100,000. Mrs. L. A. Schaaff began selling her marmalades 
and jellies eight years ago. She now ships by car load to many large 
cities. 

DRYING PLANT 

Often two or three women or even a group, will find it to their ad- 
vantage to co-operate in some enterprise, the dividends from which are 
sufficient to warrant the combined effort. In this day so much of the 
finer American patriotism resolves itself into community service. This 
community service in turn is most closely related to the conservation 
of food. If the dryer is to be operated jointly by two or three women, 
it must have a good financial backing. There should be one of the 

14 



number who is a competent buyer, who will see that plenty of raw 
material is on hand. One should thoroughly understand the principles 
of drying, and one should attend to the securing of orders. If this be a 
private enterprise the drier may be located at the home of one of the 
women. 

The drier can be easily constructed. Farmer 's Bulletin 916 gives 
directions for making a drying plant for $250 or less if much of the 
material is on hand. Valuable suggestions for drying fruits and vege- 
tables are given in the bulletin referred to, also Farmer's Bulletins 841 
and 903. 

DAIRYING 

The Country Gentleman tells of one woman, the widow of a dairy- 
man in moderate circumstances who found herself facing the alternative 
of selling the stock and land at a sacrifice, or organizing the place and 
continuing it under her own management. She decided upon the latter 
course and began at once to make a scientific study of dairying. By 
close application she came to be one of the authorities of the state on 
dairy farming. She found an industry which yielded her a regular and 
substantial income. She is in demand as a speaker before farmer 's and 
women's gatherings in her own and other states. Many of the women 
on farms are given the proceeds from the sale* of butter and milk. 
Mrs. Flora Black of Pennsylvania has one of the finest herds of Jerseys 
in the state. Mrs. Foulke, of Chester county, Pennsylvania, a city bred 
woman managed five dairy farms at once, selling butter at seventy cents 
a pound from one of these. 

CHEESE MAKING 

In these days, we are hearing a great deal about cottage cheese along 
with other foods that are to supplement the so called ' ' staples ' '. So 
far as the nutritive value is concerned, it stands high in the list of food 
products. It gives us some of the most important part of milk solids 
in condensed form and is in a class with lean meat and eggs. 

Pimento cheese may be made by mixing pimentoes with cottage 
cheese. About one-half pound to one pound is sufficient for ten pounds 
of cheese. The pimentoes should be ground fine in a food chopper, 
and then thoroughly mixed with the cheese. It should be put in one- 
fourth pound or one-half pound containers for market or in earthen, 
glass or enamel containers for storage. This cheese is excellent for 
sandwich filling. A pleasing variation is the combination with broken 
meat nuts, chopped pimentoes or other crisp vegetables. These com- 
binations bring higher prices than plain cottage cheese. Only such 

15 



quantities should be prepared as can be disposed of in two or three days. 
A number of women have developed a profitable industry by making 
cottage cheese, American Neufchatel cheese and pimento cheese. 

YULE-TIDE SPECIALTIES 

Among the holiday specialties that find ready sale are mince meat, 
plum puddings and fruit cakes. There is no denying that some of these 
old time favorites are expensive, hard to make and somewhat indigestible. 
This need not be so, though the fact that they are does not rob them of 
their popularity. Choice, but inexpensive recipes should be used. Some 
one has conceived the idea of an uncooked fruit cake in which the in- 
gredients, are successfully blended and held together. Materials should 
be bought in large quantities. Orders may be taken in advance or pro- 
ducts may be placed with grocery stores. The puddings or cakes should 
be carefully wrapped in paraffin paper and attractively tied with ribbon 
or placed in fancy boxes secured for that purpose. 

CAKE MAKING 

One woman who has learned the art of skillful cake decorating real- 
izes large returns from this. She often furnishes hundreds of small cakes 
for receptions. In addition to her baking, she offers a course of five 
lessons for $5. Another woman has discovered that certain cakes with 
which she has unusual success, do not lose their fine texture or edible 
qualities for three or four days after being baked. In addition to a 
large local patronage, she is doing a profitable mail order business, many 
of her cakes being shipped long distances. Mrs. Betty Lyle Wilson 
has supplied the White House table repeatedly with a most delicious 
concoction in pastry which she has been pleased to call the ' ' President 's 
Fruit Cake". Not only presidents, but senators, judges and governors 
have been permitted to sample this most successful dish of a successful 
housewife. 

Some expert cake makers devote their entire time to making 
wedding cakes. Madame Blanche de Ealec doubtless leads in this line. 
All of her work is done in her own kitchen in her apartment in New 
York. Her cakes have again and again adorned wedding tables at the 
White House, five Koosevelt cakes in all. It is said that she baked the 
largest cake ever baked in America for the Gould-Decies wedding. These 
cakes are baked four months in advance. The first tier is made up of 
four layers. The decorative design is then chosen by the bride-to-be and 
artistically developed in sugar. These cakes command the handsome 
price of $1,000. There may be, there doubtless is, only one Madame 
Blanche de Ralec. 

16 



HOME MADE CANDIES 

Most women have a natural talent for candy making. There is 
probably no better opportunity to make a beginning of what will event- 
ually become a lucrative business. A very small capital is all that is re- 
quired for investment in raw materials, such as sugar, chocolate, nuts, 
fruits, syrup and flavoring extracts. One should have a high grade con- 
fectioner thermometer in order to be able to boil all kinds of candy to the 
proper degree, a moulding tray for chocolate bon bons and cream 
candies, a candy funnel, and a candy dipper for coating purposes and 
paraffin paper for wrapping. 

The demand for home made candies is great and the profits cor- 
respondingly large. In starting in the candy business, it is well to begin 
by specializing. Make only first class goods. Sell at reasonable prices. 
Much of the product which the average retail dealer handles comes from 
large factories and is adulterated confectionery. Then again, the large 
factories make a superior grade of confectionery which is prohibitive 
because of the high price. Sugarless war candies have become popular 
these days. A large business can be established in these delicious con- 
fections. There need be no dull seasons in the candy business. All of 
the holidays present special opportunities. One woman secures orders 
from all of the Sunday Schools in her town at Christmas time. Another 
sells over $200 worth a month. An original investment of $5 now brings 
yearly returns for one young woman that are represented by five figures. 



CLOTHING 

DRESSMAKING 

Some one has said, ' ' Where there is a woman there is a way ' '. More 
than one woman has found in dressmaking the way for making ends 
meet. One young woman who had a great deal of creative and 
artistic ability found it necessary to support herself and mother who 
was a semi-invalid. She decided to take a correspondence course in 
dressmaking to enable her to become more skillful. While carrying on 
this course, she did plain sewing and made children's dresses. After 
completing her course, she announced that she would open dressmaking 
parlors in her own home. Her work soon became known and her reputa- 
tion as a conscientious, painstaking worker was established. Her patron- 
age was so liberal that by the end of her first year, she had saved enough 
to send her mother to a sanatorium where her health became so improved 
that it was possible for the daughter to take a year's residential 

17 



work in an approved domestic science school. Following a brief vaca- 
tion, she opened an establishment which now brings her thousands of 
dollars annually. 

SPECIALIZING IN SEWING 

To the woman who is handy with her needle and yet does not wish 
to undertake dressmaking for women, specializing in children's clothing 
affords an excellent opportunity. It does not require extraordinary 
knowledge, neither does the problem of fitting enter in to any extent. 
Charming simplicity is the key-note, add to this the spice of originality 
and you will soon be able to display an excellent variety for selection. 
The making of underclothing involves no difficulties, while the dainty 
"best dresses and suits" together with the practical every day garments, 
follow straight lines for the most part. Children 's aprons are a great 
economy, and may be worn not only during play but at meal time as 
well. A great many women have found congenial and profitable employ- 
ment in this way. 

BABY SHOP 

Simplicity and daintiness together constitute the key-note of all of 
his majesty's belongings. For state occasions, a little more elaborate 
toilet may be made. A complete line of babyhood comforts, designs 
in knitted and crocheted woolen garments, sacks, caps, coats of saxony 
and zephyrs, socks, crib and couch covers, and dainty garments in fine 
white materials will be found in every up to date baby shop. Every 
mother is anxious to supply baby's needs, though the prices attached 
to the articles in many shops are prohibitive. Distinctive, fascinating 
styles may be shown at ordinary prices. Toys, baskets, and bassinets 
may be added to the line as the business is enlarged. 

MAKING LAYETTES 

A real need is met in furnishing layettes to prospective mothers. 
Attractive cards advertising the line may be placed in the hands of 
physicians and nurses. These will serve to bring the mother and the 
seamstress together. The simple machine made garments as well as the 
exquisitely fashioned ones may be supplied. Often mothers will do most 
of their own work with the exception of one or two dresses which are 
for special occasions and are most delicately wrought, and call forth the 
admiration of all who see them. 

18 



MENDING AND PRESSING 

"All Kinds of Mending Done Here. Evening Dresses Pressed" 

If you have been a college girl or have ever witnessed the despair of 
a college girl with a pile of garments spread out before her, all of which 
are in need of some kind of attention, mending or pressing, you will 
understand her dilemma when the calls of the class room, athletic and 
social life are sounding in her ears. You will also understand her keen 
appreciation of the services of the little woman whose sign appears above. 
The real benefactor, a one-time college girl, had in mind the needs of the 
college community. She received a liberal patronage from college women, 
both students and faculty members from the day of opening. Very 
soon business women, burdened mothers and busy housewives came for 
assistance. She became an expert in her line, and was obliged to engage 
others to help her. 

MENDING FOR MEN 

A woman living near a Y. M. C. A. building, University or Theo- 
logical Seminary will find an opportunity to secure mending enough to 
occupy her spare time. Announcements placed on Association, College, 
and Fraternity bulletin boards will be all of the advertisement necessary. 
It should be understood that clothing should be properly tagged or marked 
for identification, and that it should be freshly laundered. One should 
be in a position to furnish patches and buttons. Small tears in woolen 
suits and overcoats may be darned by one who is expert. Unless one is 
thoroughly competent, however, such mending should be left for the 
tailor. Mending Bureaus have been established at the various training 
camps throughout the country. 

LAUNDRY PRIVILEGES 

A college community always presents specific needs as special oppor- 
tunities. One woman living in the heart of such a community, conceived 
the idea of offering laundry privileges to conscientious young women 
who were endeavoring to reduce their expenses to a minimum. Her 
laundry was well equipped. Some additions were made. She then inter- 
viewed the president of the Y. W. C. A. submitting her proposition of 
offering the use of the laundry at stated hours on certain days of the 
week, each girl to pay fifty cents a week for the privilege. It was under- 
stood that everything would be furnished including soap, starch and 
bluing, together with irons. Those using the laundry were expected to 
leave it as clean and orderly as they found it. The profits during the 
year were nearly $150. 

19 



KNITTING 

A comfortable and easy means of home work either during spare time 
or for regular employment is found in the auto-knitter manufactured by 
the Auto-Knitter Hosiery Co., Buffalo, N. Y. The machine is mechanically 
right and intensely practical. It is equal to twenty-four hand knitters 
and works more satisfactorily. The hosiery turned out is of the approved 
seamless variety with toes and heels reinforced. Socks, stockings, caps, 
small sweaters and other woolen articles may be made. Old stockings 
and socks can be re-footed in less time than it takes to mend them. The 
company will furnish standard yarns, and will pay liberally on receipt 
of consignment for work done. In addition to this a war bonus is 
granted. The worker, however, is at liberty to buy yarn elsewhere and 
make disposition as she wishes. If one prefers to sell her goods locally, 
she will realize larger profit. No teacher or experience is necessary 
to learn to operate the machine as simple instructions are furnished with 
it. Mothers find that these machines save considerable outlay. Members 
of the family can add materially to the income doing spare time work. 
There are climates where woolen hosiery is sold the year around. Cam- 
pers, surveyors, canoeists, and others make extensive use of woolen goods. 
Many of these machines are being used to provide woolen comforts for 
soldiers and sailors. The basis of a business can be built upon one 
machine. Other machines may be added. 

PARLOR MILLINERY 

"When we see the prices which are attached to so much of the milli- 
nery of today, even though we are not besieged with imported styles and 
effects, we are well nigh discouraged. It is said that all legitimate 
millinery establishments have the same policy in pricing hats. For 
instance, a hat costs $5; add 20 per cent, for the expenses of the buyer 
while in market, then double this amount, and you have the selling price 
$12. With the enforced economy of today, the demand is not so much 
for the exclusive shop as it is for the shop where the less expensive 
millinery may be had, or the shop established for the sole purpose of 
rejuvenating hats or making them from materials on hand. One should 
make a study of shapes, colors, textures, weaves and trimmings. Ten 
cent store foundation may be used in part. Untrimmed hats may be 
ordered from wholesale houses by the dozen. Models should be selected 
with a type of individual in mind. Women have turned deftness with 
the needle to good account, through parlor millinery and have been kept 
employed practically all of the time The fact that a room in one's home 
will save store rent helps to swell the profits. 

20 



SHELTER 

HOME DECORATOR 

Even in the smaller cities there is need for a specialist who may be 
consulted as to the practical and artistic decoration of the interior of 
the house. A careful study of various kinds of woods for interior finish- 
ing is necessary as this is often made the key-note of successful color 
schemes. The decorator should be prepared to furnish panels showing 
wood finishes, samples of wall paper, tapestries, color plates showing 
rugs, floor coverings of various kinds; catalogs showing shades, curtains, 
and electrical fixtures. She should be familiar with prices and know 
reliable furnishing houses. A professional decorator should not be 
wedded to a style of her own, but will study to give practical, artistic 
development whenever possible to the ideas of those employing her. 
The sincere decorator should plan just as carefully for the modest 
requirements of the small house as for the large one. Improvements in 
process more than change in fashion make it imperative that the decorator 
keep abreast of the times in her profession. 

WOMAN ARCHITECT 

A house must have genuine life. It is seldom, if ever, possible to 
have a perfect house, but one that most truly interprets the family which 
is to live in it, and that best meets their requirements will be a house that 
is a home. The discerning architect is the one who can most nearly per- 
form this service. In the field of domestic architecture, a woman of 
artistic taste with an eye for the practical, should find herself at home. 
One woman devotes her time to the designing of children's nurseries 
and playrooms for homes, hotels, apartment roofs and hospitals. Another 
woman designs government and office buildings, factories and residences. 

HOUSE SHOPPER 

One woman realizing that a house has character, and that most 
women live with a house as well as in it, decided to come to the relief of 
the women of her city who were in quest of homes. Her business card 
appeared in the local newspaper and the public was informed that 
another woman had blazed a new trail in her effort to earn an honorable 
living as well as to be of real service to the women of her community. 
Many who knew something of the problems of house hunting and the 
helplessness of demonstrating good taste appreciated her service. 

Another woman, Miss Genevieve Sanford, the "Greenwich Village 

21 



Home Finder ' ', the title by which she is known, finds homes for 1,500 
people each year in that section of New York City. She has made a 
survey of her neighborhood, and can give full information concerning 
available houses on her list. Her charges are reasonable, $1 for the use 
of her lists until one is satisfied. 

RENTING ROOMS 

Passing along certain streets in our cities, one is almost wearied 
by the sign, ''Furnished Rooms to Rent", and is forced to the con- 
clusion that many of our young people away from home have found them- 
selves lodged in undesirable places. The woman who aspires to keeping 
roomers should first of all be a home maker as well as a housekeeper. 
She will wisely become a specialist. If she is living in her own home, 
her location may be a settled fact; if she is to rent, she will do well to 
study the possibilities of the available houses in select residential dis- 
tricts. She will look for a house of sufficient size to make it a paying 
proposition. The hall must be pleasant and inviting, the rooms well 
lighted and home like and the plumbing and heating systems in good 
order. She will see that the walls are made attractive, good taste dic- 
tating. Neat window shades with plain white curtains add much to the 
appearance. If the floors are in excellent condition, small rugs complete 
the requirements here. If they are to be covered, linoleum in matting 
and carpet patterns is surprising in its possibilities. It offers a charm 
and effectiveness and its durability is unquestioned. If part of the 
furniture is old, it should be renovated. Privacy of lodgers should be 
respected. The use of reception hall or parlor should be granted. Abso- 
lute cleanliness and daily, thorough ventilation should be the watch 
word in the care of the house. Rentals will vary in different localities. 

RENTING SUMMER COTTAGES— TENTS 

A good income may be realized from renting summer cottages and 
tents. A great many vacationists who do not own their own cottages 
at resorts are always in quest of something in this line. Canoes, cots, 
bedding, stoves and dishes may also be rented at good profit. Furnished 
cottages bring larger returns. 

One woman found herself on the settlement of the family estate 
in the possession of a small tract of wooded land about ten miles outside 
the city near a most delightful stream of water. Surrounded by majestic 
oaks was an old weather beaten house which had been vacant for several 

22 



years. This she had remodeled and furnished as a summer cottage. A 
small boat house was built and two canoes placed in it for the use of 
the renters. The cottage accommodated eight persons and was rented 
practically all of the season at a good figure. Two tents were placed on 
the lawn, which gave accommodation to the overflow. 



EDUCATION 

PROFESSIONAL GRANDMOTHER 

By the passage of the Smith-Lever Act, "a jjrofession for grand- 
mas" has been created. It was provided that $10,000 of Federal 
money should be apportioned to each state for the purpose of "giving in- 
structions and practical demonstrations in agriculture and home eco- 
nomics". The State Agricultural College through its Extension De- 
partment handles this money. Much of this work has been done by 
graduates of Home Economics Departments, but some of the most 
acceptable service has been rendered by mature, practical housekeepers, 
whom Mrs. Frederick has called, ' ' Professional Grandmothers ' \ 

One woman supplemented her practical experience with two short 
courses at a large University. She is assigned to a small town where 
she makes her headquarters. Once a week in the little library, she 
speaks to a group of forty or fifty women from the surrounding district. 
Hiring a horse and buggy she goes each day to the homes of some of the 
women whom she has met at the library. Here she talks over many house- 
hold problems, better school standards, improved roads and cultural 
advantages. After completing her schedule of appointments, another 
center is assigned to her. Another woman goes from county to county 
as canning demonstrator. She has become director of canning clubs for 
her state. Another one helps inexperienced housekeepers and young 
women about to enter their own homes. Still another, not supported by 
state funds, goes into the homes of the poor teaching them the principles 
of good housekeeping and home making. 

CHILDREN'S OUTING CLUBS 

Many mothers are glad to have occasionally, some one under whose 
care boys or girls may be placed for an afternoon. Pleasure and profit 
may be combined in arranging for this. One who has love for nature 
and some knowledge of science will find this plan for earning money 
peculiarly adapted to the summer vacation. First formulate a systematic 
plan for the summer's work, a series of hikes. Zoological, botanical, 
geological hikes, if you please, they may be to you; the children will think 



of them as outings. Arrange for a series of ten or twelve field lessons. 
Ten children in each group is better than a larger number. One tramp 
ea* h week for three months, $3 for each child. Have it understood that 
the plan is for the entire series rather than for single outings. This would 
make a charge of twenty-five cents for an afternoon. It should be under- 
stood that each child should furnish a description of the specimens found 
on these trips. This may be done by means of writing, drawing, paint- 
ing, modeling in plasticine or clay or by cutting. The character and 
completeness of the work expected will depend upon the age and 
ability of the children. Collections of every kind should be encouraged. 
These will make very delightful souvenirs of the summer. Interest- 
ing and instructive records should be kept. These outings will be 
the means of teaching the children to become keen observers of the 
myriad forms of life. Birds, habits and homes may be studied. Butter- 
flies and moths may be collected and specimens preserved- Trees, 
mountains, rivers and rocks all afford interesting subjects for considera- 
tion. The equipment for all of the outings is easily supplied, nets, 
hammers, picks, chisels, trowels and baskets. The parents should be 
responsible for these articles. 

KINDERGARTEN AT SUMMER RESORTS 

The following plan was carried out by a young woman, a trained 
kindergartner who had spent a most delightful season at a summer 
resort. She had been impressed with the difficulties of mothers who did 
not employ nurse maids. She had met a number of these mothers, 
through these she secured the names and addresses of others who were to 
return with their children. She rented a bungalow, fitted it as a kinder- 
garten and sent out announcement cards. Before the season opened, she 
had the names of twenty-five kindergarten children on her list. To these 
were added ten more later. Her charges were $1 per week per child for 
the seven weeks. After paying rent and meeting the expenses of materials 
and equipment, she had a little over $200 to her credit. 

EVENING CLASSES 

The evening class makes possible a good income. In communities 
where there is a large foreign population, a convenient situation is 
afforded for teaching men and women to read, write and speak the 
English language correctly. Excellent work is done in many of these 
classes. Many foreigners are appreciative of educational advantag ss 
and are very ready to accept the opportunities offered them. Their 
desire to learn enables them to overcome timidity, for they realize some- 
thing of what it means to them in the way of advancement. 

24 



One young woman arranged a weekly schedule as follows: 

Greeks — Mondays and Tuesdays 7:30 to 9:30 

Polish — Wednesdays and Thursdays 7:30 to 9:30 

Italian — Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 to 9:30 

A similar arrangement was made for foreign speaking mothers in the 
afternoons. Classes in each instance were limited to eight or ten. 
Charges were nominal. The fee for each individual in the different 
groups being twenty cents or $1.50 a month. For the mother's class, 
however, a lower rate would be advisable. 

Evening classes for the teaching of various subjects to other than 
foreigners are being maintained in many of our schools and often have 
a large enrollment. If the public school makes no provision for this r 
an opportunity presents itself 'for individual undertaking. 

GIFT MAKING CLASSES 

Women of artistic taste have found gift making classes interesting 
and profitable in the way of financial returns. A class in designing 
and gift making may be started two or three months before Christmas. 
Arrangements may be made for single lessons or for the entire course, 
each one making the articles she chooses. Suggestions, lists and designs 
of gifts should be displayed, original designs may also be used. One 
should not only know how to give instructions in the making of the gifts 
but should be informed as to where the material may be bought and at 
what price. A class for children may meet once every week throughout 
the summer vacation. Birthday and Christmas gifts may be prepared for 
the members of the family and friends, and favors and souvenirs for 
different occasions. 

TUTORING 

There are often children in the public schools who because of illness 
or other enforced absence or because of inability to keep up with the work 
of their grades, fail of promotion. Many parents are not only willing 
to pay for private instruction, but are glad to know of one who is in a 
position to do this work. Superintendents and principals in the public 
schools would be pleased to co-operate with efficient instructors. If one 
is living near a college, an opportunity may present itself there. 

SCHOOL FOR DOMESTICS 

One young woman after completing her course in Domestic Science, 
interviewed a number of housewives in her own city regarding the 
opening of a six weeks school for domesties. It was her hope to help 
solve the perplexing, annoying problems incident to domestic service, 

25 



and to enable the house maid to become more proficient. She found a 
number of employers glad to co-operate with her. A model flat was 
furnished. A notice was sent to several country newspapers in an effort 
to induce girls to attend and qualify for good available positions. A 
number of women paid the tuition for their maids. One woman who 
was interested in getting the factory girls to enter homes, helped to 
finance the enterprise. 

COOKING CLASSES 

One woman who had taken a domestic science course in the high 
school and later other supplementary courses, decided to make use of 
this knowledge by organizing classes in several towns within a radius of 
a few miles. Advertisements were placed in the local papers of these 
towns. Classes were sometimes conducted in church kitchens. The 
groups averaged ten. A charge of $2.50 was made for a series of twelve 
lessons. After the expense of buying materials, paying car fare, and pay- 
ing rental of church kitchens or other room, she realized a good profit 
from the towns visited. 

STORY TELLING 

One who loves story telling and really takes it seriously, recognizing 
its importance in moral and religious education, will find it a remunera- 
tive as well as a delightful profession. If one is not a born story teller, 
she may become proficient, developing unusual skill. If she possesses 
natural ability this may be developed into conscious art. 

One young woman who had been a teacher, decided to tell stories for 
a living. She made a beginning by telling stories to a group of children 
in the Y. W. C. A. The Library Board later co-operated with one of 
the Women 's Clubs and arranged for a course of twenty-five stories to 
be given weekly throughout the spring and winter. The interest in 
children 's stories became thoroughly established. Then came the vision 
of a book shop near a private school. This became an assured success. 
Her ability as a story teller was every where acknowledged. Story hours 
were planned for every Wednesday and Saturday. The stories were 
chosen from the books in the shop, and were the choicest. This served 
to introduce the books on her shelves. 

MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES 

Often one who has been given liberal advantages along musical lines, 
has been confronted with the proposition of returning to a small town, 
and there endeavoring to solve the problem of a livelihood by means of 
her art. She may find herself in the midst of a musically uneducated 

26 



public, and it will be difficult for her to develop her art. While all 
may not be educated to appreciate the world's classical music, the plain 
people throughout the years have given expression to the instincts, 
fancies, loves, joys, sorrows and worship of their lives by means of music. 
She should resolve to make herself a real factor in the development of 
the community life. She should add to the education of the public, 
not merely give it what it already knows. Many under her leadership 
may come to show distinct signs of musical ability. 

The position of teacher of music in the public schools may offer itself 
or her studio may be in her own home. Again, playing the church organ, 
or acting as chorister or soloist may help materially. Churches and 
musical clubs often include the larger percentage of those who are making 
any kind of a study of music. Many of the members offer good mate- 
rial, and make it possible to present two or three entertainments during 
the year, not so popular as to be musically cheap and not so classical as 
to be unpopular. A professional coach may be obtained for light operas 
or scenes from more pretentious works. These may be given and 25 per 
cent, of the net proceeds paid to the promoter. The same entertainment 
may be given in two or three nearby towns. Bringing a gifted teacher 
to town and acting as her pianist on all occasions would offer special 
training and pay financially. 

TRAVELOGUES 

The widow of a well known professional man found herself facing 
the question of self support. Five years of her married life had been 
spent in a tour of foreign lands in company with her husband. The wealth 
of her experience led her to arrange a series of travelogues. In this way 
she has given to thousands the benefits of her extensive travels. Her 
work has from the first been of high order. One who is in a position to 
know says she presents one of the most remarkable ^Kound-the world" 
lectures ever given from an American platform. Her word pictures are 
always vivid and thrilling. 

RECREATION 

READING ALOUD 

One who appreciates the importance of intelligent and pleasant 
reading aloud, and who possesses a clear musical voice, may not only use 
it as a means of making money, but may receive a far greater reward in 
the consciousness of having given relief to the weary monotony of many 
a shut-in 's life. One of the best opportunities of reading to invalids 



in the hospital or sanitarium is gained through the physician or nurse 
who will be glad to place one 's professional card in the hands of patients. 
The physician realizes that his patients must be abstracted from their 
surroundings. It is in helping to bring this about that purposeful, 
impersonal reading lends this charm. The reader may prove herself a 
cheering, soothing companion acting as a medium between the tenderest, 
bravest and purest characters and the listener. She should remember 
not to read too much at a time, but to stop before her hearer is tired. 
Languor will give place to animation and spiritual comfort will drive out 
the gloom of the sick room. 

One young woman earned from $30 to $40 a month, giving her ser- 
vices for fifty cents an hour. Old people, and semi-invalids at home and 
at the summer resorts would be glad to know of such service. Women's 
Clubs might unite in engaging some one to visit old ladies' homes or 
homes for the aged. 

PLANNING CHILDREN'S PARTIES 

One woman who was a successful teacher before her marriage wished 
to supplement the family income. Her school entertainments had always 
been the subject of favorable, enthusiastic comment. She decided to 
continue this line of work knowing that many mothers were confronted 
at least annually with the desire or necessity of giving birthday parties 
for the boys and girls in the home. Her originality, supplemented by her 
files and books of clippings, she amplified, adapted and made personal 
and charming. There was nothing elaborate about the parties, mothers 
of unlimited means understood this. Children were expected to welcome 
their little friends, while the mother in the back ground would assist 
as hostess. In the case of parties for older girls, they were allowed to 
exercise their imagination and ingenuity in helping to plan for the occa- 
sion. They delighted in writing the invitations and making favors, help- 
ing to arrange flowers and planning for the games. Her story telling and 
catering greatly increased the demand for her services. 

GIRLS' SUMMER CAMP 

The woman who possesses a real love for girls and is keenly alive to 
the joys of living in the open will find a most delightful opportunity in 
establishing a summer camp for girls. First of all, in the serious thought 
of the camp that is to be, plan to secure a desirable situation as nearly 
ideal as possible, within the reach of historical places, lying on the shores 
with mountains nearby for climbing. The camp may, doubtless will, 
develop as many other enterprises do from a small beginning, but it may 
grow to such proportions that its growth will surprise its founder. The 

28 



initial expense need not be large. The substantial part of the equip- 
ment may be a cottage which will serve as a center of camp hospitality 
and a lodge where the girls may get together during inclement weather. 
Provisions should be made for water and athletic sports. No girl should 
be allowed to get into a canoe until she has passed an adequate swimming 
test. 

An excellent housekeeper or cook, one or more camp counselors and 
a trained nurse are quite indispensable, though the actual service of the 
latter may not be needed. A distinctive camp costume may be adopted. 
A list of articles of individual equipment should be outlined and sent to 
prospective patrons. A copy of the daily program should also be enclosed. 
The cost of living, natural advantages, camp features and equipment 
will determine expenses. Good camps charge from $125 upward for a 
season of eight weeks. Special charge is usually made for tutoring if 
this is desired. 

KODAKERY 

A camera enthusiast will find profit in pursuing her hobby. She 
may arrange to go to the homes and take pictures of children at play 
or in the midst of home surroundings. The deep satisfaction and 
pleasure derived from portraits of friends and family taken in every day 
environment, makes a large place for the home photographer. One photo- 
grapher who had won recognition for artistic work in his studio aban- 
doned this for the opportunity he found in the homes. One young 
woman who specialized in pictures of children arranged for regular 
appointments at three to six months intervals. A pictorial record ef 
the child's appearance from babyhood to maturity may be obtained in 
this way and will be cherished by the parents and treasured by the 
child itself as it grows older. 

Taking kodak pictures for souvenirs, post cards, calendars and book- 
lets afford good profit. If one can develop and print the margin is 
larger. One may find opportunity for printing and developing for 
amateurs and tourists at summer resorts. One woman who was a book- 
keeper with hours from nine to five, made arrangements with a local 
dealer to do photographic work in the evening. She took orders for 
the work through his store and paid him 20 per cent, of the earnings for 
his trouble in handling it. She bought her own paper and developer in 
large quantities. Working three evenings a week, she cleared $125 during 
the year. 

29 



COLLECTING BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 

The collecting of butterflies and moths offers a profitable spare time 
work for lovers of nature. The demand for butterflies is ever increas- 
ing, and it is said that there are 10,000 rich collectors today who are 
buying specimens for their collections. The Eothschild collection alone 
is estimated at hundreds of thousands of dollars. Colleges and museums 
buy large quantities for study purposes. Common specimens sell at five 
cents each and rare ones as high as $7 each. Sometimes collectors 
find whole colonies of valuable specimens during their rambles. One 
young woman averaged $50 a week during the season, making $600 in 
eleven weeks. She now operates a butterfly farm and raises specimens 
from eggs. One farmer in Oklahoma has made an enviable record. 
When localities have been diligently worked many rare specimens will 
invariably be found. 

Anyone interested in collecting should write James Sinclair, ento- 
mologist, Los Angeles, California. For a small consideration, Mr. Sinclair 
will furnish instructions, pictures, descriptions, giving methods for 
attracting, capturing, painlessly killing, preserving, packing and shipping. 
He will also furnish a list of 750 kinds wanted. Information may be 
had from the different state universities. 

MOTORING 

Upon the advice of her physician, one woman decided to live in the 
open air as much as possible for three or four months, making extensive 
use of her car. This made it necessary for her to secure the services of 
a competent maid. She saw in her seven passenger car, the possibility 
of providing the wages for her help. The town in which she had lived 
was one of historic interest. There were tourists visiting throughout 
the summer. She had some placards printed and placed in the Y. W. 
C. A. and the ladies' parlors of the different hotels. These stated that 
on every afternoon, except Sunday, she would meet women and children 
who wished to go sight seeing at certain hours at the Y. W. C. A. Her 
charges were fifty cents a passenger. Her work during the three months 
paid for the services of the maid, left her a good balance and a degree 
of health she had not known for years. 

FANCY NEEDLE WORK 

The expert needle woman will find that there is an unlimited demand 
for articles in hand work. It is important that she should know the 
requirements of the market. Many women are willing to pay liberally 
for household linen done in hand work, charming little accessories for 

30 



the dressing- table and bureau, rare tea table sets, and other effective 
pieces. There is always a demand for gifts distinctive in design and 
delightful in practical value. The bride-to-be is looking for exquisitely 
dainty and serviceable lingerie, blouses, camisoles and night wear. 
Crocheting and tatting in exclusive and original designs may be easily 
adapted to these. 

HAND PAINTING AND TINTING 

There is always a demand for artistic cards of different kinds, 
menus, programs and other work in this line. To any one who is gifted 
in the use of the brush, here is an opportunity for a profitable and 
exceedingly fascinating work. With a camera, one can make her own 
pictures. Long tramps through the woods, up the mountain and by the 
stream afford almost unlimited opportunity for obtaining beautiful views 
of natural scenes. Mountain scenery and rustic places appeal to all and 
have a cash value. Lantern slides may be made from these cards. They 
may also be colored. If one can add a gift for rhyme to her talent with 
the brush, possibilities are greatly increased. One young woman who 
has been devoting her time to such work sends her cards all over 
America. The profit on hand painting is large and the profits on tinting 
is from 100 to over 400 per cent. One may work through merchants, 
druggists, stationers or individuals. Get into communication with 
people who entertain. Those who give parties, dinners, luncheons and 
musicales are always looking for the dainty and artistic place cards, 
programs, menus and favors. Cards and pictures may be obtained for 
tinting. 

CHINA PAINTING 

The most particular housewife considers table adornment one of 
the charming features of home building. After she has chosen her 
complete sets, she will be interested in odd pieces, and it is here that 
the woman who can artistically design and skillfully execute china 
painting has her chance. The holiday season presents the best oppor- 
tunity of the year for the disposal of hand painted china, though 
there should be a good demand for it throughout the year. After dinner 
coffee sets, teapots, creams and sugars, chocolate pots and bon bon dishes 
giving evidence of real artistic endeavor recommend themselves, while 
individual jars and vases, quaint and distinctive with exquisite pieces 
for milady's dressing table are always popular. 

1 31 



MISCELLANEOUS 

THE WRITER 

Among our best writers are those who have not despised the day 
of small beginnings. Books, study courses, Bureaus of Criticism and 
Advice and periodicals lend inspiration and help, and enable the 
writer to arrive at his best. There are those who are able to write along 
special lines. "Whatever the message, it should be given clearly, honestly, 
with directness and conviction. Certain kinds of writing call for liter- 
ary talent, others are of reportorial, descriptive or narrative nature. 
There is a wide field from which to choose. One young woman met 
practically all of her University expenses by writing street car adver- 
tisements. Another paid a season's expense of motoring trips, by a 
series of articles growing out of her experiences in an overland trip across 
the country. Give your best literary effort to whatever line you may 
follow. 

NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENCE 

In the United States alone there are more than 50,000 newspapers 
and magazines published. Their issues vary, some are dailies, some 
weeklies, some monthlies and some quarterlies. Every trade and pro- 
fession has its literature. The amount required for these numerous 
publications in addition to books and pamphlets seems incredible. Some 
one has to prepare all of this reading matter. Anyone who has a taste 
for writing and can write good English, even though she may possess 
no special literary skill or finished style of writing, may still find numer- 
ous opportunities without leaving the beaten track of daily routine. 
There are many journalistic assignments, such as those covering women 's 
clubs and societies, weddings, receptions and social functions of all kinds, 
church work, Red Cross work, children 's parties and subjects of peculiar 
interest to women. Women are in greater demand for this service than 
men. 

PROOF READING 

Proof reading is one of the most agreeable and best paying lines 
of work a woman can do at home. It requires a keen, quick eye, con- 
centration of thought and close application. One does not need a 
college education in order to become competent. There are no diffi- 
culties, intricacies, or technicalities. It is quiet, refined, educative with 
an unlimited field of knowledge always presenting itself. The latest 
and greatest achievements of human intellect are first given publicity 

32 



through the press. Proof reading is one of the least crowded, best paid 
and most highly esteemed professions. It has frequently been the road to 
authorship. The countless millions of pages of printed matter make nec- 
essary the employment of thousands of proof readers. The minimum 
salary is $21 weekly. One woman does her own house work and averages 
$40 a month, and is obliged to turn away those wishing to have work done. 
Another woman makes $25 a week. Because of their quickness to detect 
errors, many publishers prefer women. For those interested, but with- 
out experience, the National Proof Readers Association, Indianapolis, 
Indiana, offers an excellent correspondence course. 

WRITING ADVERTISEMENTS 

It has been stated that 90 per cent, of the purchasing power of the 
United States is vested in women. Because of this, business men deem 
it desirable that the feminine point of view be considered in the adver- 
tising matter prepared. This has led to the employment of many women 
in the advertising departments of large concerns. Initiative, good judg- 
ment, energy, ambition and determination are all qualities which make 
for success. One must be able to meet and interest people. She should 
know human nature. Study the particular article or articles to be 
advertised. Know all about the various advertising mediums, circulation 
of various papers and magazines. If one is to be intrusted with space 
buying this is necessary. Study circulars and advertising matter sub- 
mitted to you. See where they are weak and where they may be im- 
proved upon, to make larger sales. "Letters That Make Good", a 465 
page book, compiled from the files of more than one hundred of America 's 
best sales letter writers, is an invaluable aid in applying the fundamental 
principles of salesmanship to any line of goods. Good correspondence 
courses are offered for those wishing to prepare for this work. Colleges 
make provisions for its consideration. Newspapers, magazines and 
department stores offer good opportunities. One who devotes all of her 
spare time to this work should realize a good income. 

COMMERCIAL ARTIST 

Closely allied to the work of the copy writer is that of the com- 
mercial artist. This is proving a most attractive field for women. 
While some may think it difficult to commercialize real art through 
advertising mediums, it remains ^a fact that some of our highest priced 
artists have found it worth while to devote themselves to this field. 
They have not only exhibited specimens of executive excellence, but 
have given wide circulation to their work, and have outstripped all of 
their former efforts to make a gratifying income. Given independence 

33 



and originality, together with mechanical skill and correctness and much 
of the beauty of the higher departments of art, a woman should find 
many opportunities to apply her profession to publicity work of the 
higher type. She may give all of her services to one firm or publication 
or maintain her own studio and work for a number of concerns. 

LETTER SHOP 

Women who have been trained for business, but because of home 
claims or for other reasons are not able to devote all of their time to it, 
will find that spare time work brings good returns. The business woman 
who is bright, cheerful, obliging and dignified and who possesses im- 
measurable tact will find tliat she has valuable assets to aid her in 
establishing a successful business. There are always a good many who 
do not give regular employment to a stenographer or type writer, who 
will be glad to pay well for the service. There will be all kinds of 
letters" to be written, letters of collection, letters of application, architects 
wishing specifications and secretaries of different organizations needing 
tabulated reports. 

One young woman, knowing nothing about shorthand or type 
writing, rented an attractive office in a new building just being erected 
and secured the names of the prospective renters of office rooms. To 
these she offered the services of a competent shorthand reporter at the 
rate of $1 per hour. She engaged three of the best recent graduates 
from a business college at the rate of $10 per week, and provided type 
writers for two of the girls, taking it for granted that ordinarily one 
girl would be out for dictation. Her net earnings were about $200 per 
month. 

SOCIAL SECRETARYSHIP 

This position is one that carries with it refinement and a careful 
observation of the little niceties that suggest good breeding and culti- 
vation. One must possess tact, social sense and a genius for detail. Re- 
vision of visiting lists, securing and arranging of addresses, making num- 
erous calls, attending meetings of various kinds, together with helping 
to plan social functions, interviewing caterers, decorators and florists; 
giving suggestions as to arrangements and decoration of rooms and 
tables; taking charge of check books and account books and numerous 
other responsibilities including the gentle art of letter writing all call 
for patient application. One must learn to avoid all appearance of 
strain and effort as she learns to avoid carelessness and lack of thought. 
What the duties of a social secretary are depends on the community and 
the social obligations and regulations observed by the hostess. Some 

34 



secretaries, those receiving highest salaries are engaged with the under- 
standing that they are to be free to travel. Again, some are engaged 
for part time, three or four hours each day. Women who are obliged to 
spend part of the day at home, find this arrangement offers many of the 
advantages of the position without the numerous demands. 

MOTHERING CHILDREN 

One woman tells of her experience in making a home for orphan 
children and becoming a professional mother to them. Upon the sug- 
gestion of her pastor and the co-operation of the New Jersey Board of 
Guardians, she received into her home nine boys from 3 to 11 years of age. 
She rented a comfortable cottage for $15 dollars a month, spent $8 a 
month for fuel, and $31 for food and incidentals. The board allowed her 
$54 a month to feed and lodge the boys, also providing their clothing. 
A small acreage made it possible to raise fruit and vegetables and to 
keep chickens and cows. Chickens and eggs were exchanged for other 
food as needed and some milk was sold. The larger boys assisted in 
caring for the chickens and garden, and some of the younger boys would 
do errands for the neighbors. This helped to swell the income. All of 
the boys were treated as brothers. 

DAY NURSERY 

The Day Nursery has become an established institution in most of 
our large cities. One woman living in a congested district in a certain 
city became deeply interested in the number of working mothers who 
passed her daily in taking the car to go to their work. Upon careful 
inquiry she found that many of these had left behind them small children 
either in charge of other children too young to assume such responsibility 
or in charge of old women unequal to the task. "What could she do to 
help relieve the situation? She conferred with others. The result was 
that two rooms of her home were fitted as a nursery where working 
mothers brought their children and left them for the day. Immediately 
upon their arrival they were bathed and their clothing changed. 
Toys were provided. The noon meal and light afternoon lunch were 
served. A nurse girl was employed to assist in caring for the children. 
A nominal charge was made the mothers. A young women's organiza- 
tion equipped the nursery while two women's clubs paid the salary of 
the founder who assumed the supervision. 

BATHING BABIES 

The nurse who is present at the birth of the baby will doubtless have 
charge not only of his first bath, but a number of subsequent baths. 
After the special nurse has been dismissed, the mother frequently feels 

35 



herself in need of some one who will care for the imperative demands of 
his royal highness. The physician will be glad to supply a list of the 
names of mothers in the home or those leaving maternity hospitals 
to one who wishes to undertake bathing babies. Many women feel 
that they cannot continue the services of a nurse at $25 or $30 a week, 
but are glad to pay fifty cents a morning until able to bathe and com- 
plete baby 's brief toilet themselves. One woman who was formerly a 
nurse, found her mornings comparatively free and decided to respond to 
such calls for all of her spare time. Besides bathing the baby, she would 
wash out its woolen garments. 

PRACTICAL NURSING 

It has been stated that So per cent of the actual nursing service in 
the sick rooms of America is rendered by non-professional, that is non- 
hospital nurses. Many of these practical nurses have developed a high 
degree of efficiency and find it a vocation at once beneficent, womanly 
and financially attractive, affording an opportunity for making from $10 
to $25 a week. Chautauqua courses of study and other courses offered 
by schools of nursing are invaluable for the practicing nurse or beginner, 
and help to establish prestige in a community. Physicians gladly 
co-operate with the practical nurse and a large practice may be had even 
though one may devote only part time to the service. 

DECORATING STORE WINDOWS 

"Picture Study", a wise man has well said, ''is one of the most 
powerful methods of instruction known". He might have said, had he 
been discussing principles of successful advertising, "Effective window 
decoration is one of the surest ways of securing business". Many store 
windows are repellant rather than attractive, especially is this true in 
small towns. A woman may prove herself a real benefactor to a com- 
munity by originating and arranging attractive window displays. One 
woman started furnishing merchants unique suggestions. Her original 
ideas now command the highest city prices. Suggestions along this line 
may be obtained from the Dry Goods Economist, New York City. Cor- 
respondence courses are offered by schools of nation-wide reputation. 

HERALDRY EXPERT 

A young woman whose opportunities in the special study of art had 
been limited to one year in designing, found it difficult to make a living 
by means of her chosen profession. One day a man came to her studio 
asking her if she could paint a coat-of-arms upon an old parchment. She 
accepted the order fixing a price which her extremity seemed to dictate, 

36 



scarcely expecting him to be satisfied with it. The work was begun. 
An enlarged perfect drawing of the indistinct drawing was the result. 
Shortly another customer appeared. His was a more difficult order but 
again she was successful. She closed her studio and gave two months 
to special study. When she opened it again, this sign appeared above 
the door, ' ' Heraldry Expert, Coat-of -Arms Painted Upon Any Material ' '. 
She later spent some time in Europe making examinations at the British 
College of Heraldry for wealthy Americans who wished to assume 
coat-of-arms. She became a specialist without a competitor in a large 
city. 

Another young woman who had some experience in tracing ancestry, 
opened correspondence with the regents of patriotic societies, asking for 
the names of prospective members who wished assistance in tracing 
genealogies, offering her services on the basis of commissions. The 
response was very gratifying. 

FLOWER GARDENING 

Flowers have great commercial value. Floriculture is profitable 
business in the open garden; if, however, one can erect and equip a small 
green house to begin with, it will be a good investment. Specializing in 
flowers appeals to many gardeners. Asters win enthusiastic admiration 
from all. If given conscientious care, they are healthy and vigorous in 
growth and will bloom continuously from summer until frost. $300 
worth of asters were marketed from the back of a city lot. The dahlia, 
with its many forms, colors and types is highly esteemed. One woman's 
dahlia bed grew from the corner of a city lot to eight city lots, and 
eventually to a farm. She has 250 varieties. One Pennsylvania woman 
ships her hardies from her ten acre tract to all parts of the United 
States. Another woman has 60,000 rose bushes growing in her back 
yard. She has 150 varieties. 

GROWING WATER LILIES 

Every one acknowledges the fascination of the water whether it 
be pond, river, lake or ocean. Add to this the element of life, and 
the charm is irresistible and complete. The wonderful beauty and ex- 
quisite fragrance of the many varieties of water lilies and aquatics, 
together with the fact that the culture is comparatively easy and the 
results quick has led to growing popularity. The three requisites are sun, 
water, and good soil. For the beginner, tubs, tanks, half barrels or other 
water tight receptacles may be utilized in making a miniature garden. 
The diameter should be two or more feet. A natural pond is ideal. Where 
the soil is not sufficiently retentive, an artificial pond may be eon- 

37 



structed. A concrete pond gives perfect and permanent satisfaction. It 
adds greatly to the appearance to sink the receptacle in the ground nearly 
to the rim. The pool should be made as natural as possible, and the mar- 
ginal planting as nearly complete as possible, with here and there rough 
rock work, hardy ornamental plants, flowering shrubs with an open space 
for the delightful lily garden. Fish should be kept in all ponds to destroy 
mosquito larvae and other insects. In order to aerify the water, it is 
necessary to have submerged plants growing in all pools. 

The price of water lilies is based on the supply more than on the 
particular variety. Some varieties may be raised from seed or pot 
plants or tubers may be secured. Because of the wonderful range of 
color and form, water lilies have found great popularity and the demand 
is steadily increasing. While certain varieties are better adapted than 
others to certain localities, the water lily specialist, may be assured of 
a good income. ' ' Over 3,000 water lilies picked before breakfast, a 
daily occurrence of the season ' ', is the record of Mrs. Helen Fowler at 
Kenilworth, District of Columbia. Mrs. Fowler has the largest water 
lily garden in the United States. 

"Making a Water Garden", 55c by William Tricker, Arlington, 
N. J. is invaluable to one contemplating the growing of water lilies and 
aquatic plants. 

LANDSCAPE GARDENING 

One woman tells of her experience. Suddenly thrown upon her own 
resources because of her husband's broken health, she realized that she 
had no profession, and that there was barely enough money on hand to 
last more than two or three months. She was greatly perplexed, but not 
discouraged. Her one asset was a garden filled with flowers just coming 
into bloom. This was suggestive, she determined to visit the managers 
of several cafes, stewards of clubs and managers of hotels, and this she 
did, persuading them to allow her to furnish flowers for their tables 
durin" +1 e season. Her income from each of the forty tables was $1.50. 
Th r-K. cl .e the problem of supplementing the product of her own garden. 
She o'ecured permission to plant seeds in unused portions of the gardens 
of friends, also on the church lawn. An abundance of flowers was 
available in this way. 

Then the suggestion of landscape gardening came to her. She dis- 
covered many lawns, gardens and grounds which the owners were glad 
to improve and embellish. During the winter months an opportunity 
came to work in the office of a landscape gardener. Here as she said, 
"the big principles of landscape gardening were learned". In the spring 
real gardening operations began again. All of the time a close student 

38 



of the subject of picturesque gardening, she soon won for herself the 
undisputed claim of landscape architect. She had solved the problem 
of a livelihood, her husband who had accompanied her much of the time 
had improved in health and was able to dispense with his wheel chair. 

REPRESENTING MAGAZINES 

A number of excellent publications offer attractive inducements to 
representatives who will devote all of their spare time or full time to 
this work. The Curtis Publication Co. make the statement that their 
women representatives now earn as a body more than a quarter of a 
million dollars. Some devoting their entire time to the company 's 
interests earn more than many bank presidents. The company's agency 
includes the Ladies Home Journal which enters one and three quarter 
millions of homes, the Saturday Evening Post with a circulation of 
two millions and the Country Gentleman with nearly one-half million sub- 
scribers. In addition to commissions a weekly salary is offered, depend- 
ing upon the number of subscribers secured. In engaging in this line 
of work, one should be thoroughly familiar with the publications to be 
handled, and should be patient, tactful and untiring. It is a privilege 
to place good reading in the homes. 

One woman has earned thousands in this capacity. Left with the 
responsibility of the family resting upon her, she not only maintained 
her home, but liberally educated her daughters, and has recently built 
an attractive modern residence. Many college girls have paid at least part 
of their expenses in this way. One young woman has earned more than 
$1,500 each summer, paid for four years course at Randolph-Macon College 
and for post graduate courses at Barnard College of Columbia University 
and in the University of Chicago. Another woman giving spare time 
service easily earns $20 a week. Still another, a farmer 's wife with three 
children earned $110 the first four months of her Curtis work. A young 
woman with an invalid father and a little niece left to her care receives 
an independent income. 

WOMAN'S EXCHANGE 

The Woman 's Exchange was originally established to assist women 
thrown upon their own resources to become self supporting, by supplying 
a market for special lines of work and to aid women of talent to pro- 
duce articles that show skill and are salable on their own merits. There 
are hundreds of exchanges throughout the country. Some of these are 
still benevolent institutions. Many have suffered financially because of 
charitable motives, accepting poorly executed work, inferior material, and 
out of date needle work. This leads to a three-fold disappointment to 

39 



the Board of Managers, the consignor, and those who would be glad to 
patronize an Exchange developed along lines of business efficiency. In 
many instances, the Exchange is controlled by a Board of Managers, 
this affords an interesting co-operative work and has decided advantages. 
If, however, one woman wishes to undertake the opening of an Exchange 
as an enterprise of her own, she will do well to recognize certain under- 
lying principles and rules which make for reliability and efficiency It 
is frequently possible to make use of existing organizations or business 
houses that will donate space in return for the increased favor shown 
them. The Y. W. C. A. or Rest Room for out of town women in some 
places would gladly co-operate. 

It might be well to confer with other women in determining what 
articles or what products would supply local needs and base prices on 
local prices. This list may be given publicity, and women solicited to 
send in samples of their best needle work or baked goods. Some Ex- 
changes send out models and others have certain classes open to con- 
signors. Wealthy women, many of whom, have a wide knowledge of 
materials, exquisite hand work and prices of same, are often the chief 
patrons of the needle work department. This must be kept in mind. 
Many Exchanges have realized their largest profits from the food 
department. 

According to some Exchanges, the payment of $1 entitles a person to 
place work on sale for six months, 20 per cent commission being deducted 
from the selling price of all fancy work, with the charge for selling other 
goods being arranged before hand. All goods may be withdrawn at any 
time and membership ceases. Consignors are presented with statement 
acknowledging receipt of goods. This receipt must be presented in 
asking for the return of consignment. Articles may not be removed dur- 
ing the month of December. Consignors wishing to retain their member- 
ship must pay 20 per cent, on all goods removed. The fees and com- 
missions vary. Some Exchanges deduct 10 per cent, and some 15 per 
cent, commission. Reliable Exchanges take reasonable precaution against 
losses and will not be responsible for fire, theft, or accident. 

MAKING BOWS 

An artistic young woman, began as an errand girl in a fashionable 
millinery shop. Several years later, she gave up the highest salary in 
the shop to become a professional bow maker. She engaged four assist- 
ants, a seamstress, a milliner, a designer of novelties, and an efficient 
business woman, while she still devotes herself to making of bows. 
Bows are tied for all kinds of gowns, glove cases, luncheon tables, 
bridal bouquets, youthful hair ornaments, lingerie bows, fascinating 

40 



girdles, graceful slipper bows, exquisite La France roses, clusters of 
rose buds, violets and daisies. Her orders and sales continue to increase. 
Her patrons are largely among the wealthier class. 

DOMESTIC EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES 

First of all in contemplating the opening of an Employment Agency, 
one must study intelligently the real difficulties of the servant girl 
problem; the question of wages, requirements and. privileges; why it is 
that some succeed while others fail in obtaining and keeping desirable 
help in the home. Strive to bring about uniform standards of work. 
Determine to make your agency first and always, as reliable, honest, and 
courteous as it is possible to make it. Endeavor to bring the best 
housewives and the most capable helpers together. Eeferences should 
be carefully worded. They are the applicant's passport. An agency 
may list special workers, emergency workers, nurse girls, day workers, 
experienced and inexperienced workers. The regular fee of some 
agencies is $1 paid by the applicant upon registration and $1 paid by 
the employer when help is secured. This varies, however, though it is 
generally understood, in fact the law in some states provides for the 
return of the whole fee in case no assistance is rendered. It is not the 
business of an employment agency to attract girls from places where they 
are working to other places. It may be more to one's credit in many 
instances to encourage a girl to remain where she is, study the differences 
that have brought mistress and maid to a misunderstanding. They are 
often trivial and superficial. The agency may bring about a better 
understanding. 

REFERENCE AGENCY 

Women not employed and women wishing to change their present 
employment find the services of a Reference Agency most helpful. One 
who considers the opening of a Reference Agency or Employment^ Bureau 
will do well to make a study of the "help wanted" advertisements to 
discover the demands and the needs of the locality. The fact that many 
women stenographers and clerks have been called into government 
service as well as men creates a demand for large numbers of women 
who will help out in the emergency. Women of special ability are in 
great demand. The most proficient in any given line receives the largest 
salaries. Women are rapidly replacing and supplementing men. In 
almost every state there is a Department of Labor maintaining agencies 
organized to serve the interests of the government. Many of these are 
in the larger cities. A helpful co-operation may be established. Mills, 
factories, railroads and banks as weli as other institutions are looking 

41 



for women who will take the places of men released for service. It may 
not be possible to list all of the openings for women, nor to find openings 
for all of the women, but by studying the needs, one may in this way 
serve the national interest, as well as that of large numbers of women 
materially affected by the great changes of the hour, who must remain 
at home and solve financial problems. 

SHAMPOOING, MANICURING AND MASSAGE 

An opportunity for securing lucrative employment in the home is 
opened to the woman who feels that she can spare a room to equip as 
a shop, though it may not be so designated. The room should be spot- 
less, sanitary and artistically arranged. The initial cost of equipment 
is comparatively small. The demands of the community that the operator 
is to serve largely determine this; safe to say, there will be no expensive 
fitting to consider. Put your work upon a systematic, scientific basis. 
Avoid costly experiments. Be sure of yourself. Make use of advanced 
methods. Use only the best remedies and toilet accessories. Rigid 
sterilization should be observed. While it is desirable that one should 
have an opportunity to study the work under expert supervision for a 
short time at least, there is much one can do in the way of self better- 
ment. Valuable articles written by the best authorities, appear from 
time to time in the leading women 's journals. Make yourself proficient 
in practical application. 

One should make a special study of the hair and scalp. What con- 
ditions are necessary to make the hair grow; a knowledge of muscles, 
nerves, and blood supply. One should be able to recognize and treat 
scalp diseases, such as dandruff, and different forms of alopecia (falling 
hair). Shampooing includes dry shampoo, egg shampoo, medicated 
shampoo and the ordinary method. Manicuring should be done in a 
sanitary, scientific manner, study the nail, reasons for special treatment, 
and how to massage the hands. In caring for the skin, first of all, make 
a study of the skin, function of sweat and oil glands, muscles of the face 
and head, nerves and blood vessels. Study the general treatment of the 
skin. How to care for sunburnt skin, oily skin, delicate skin, florid skin 
and flabby skin. A thorough knowledge of facial massage is invaluable. 
Learn rules for manipulating the skin. 

A self respecting .ambitious, good natured woman should secure a 
gratifying compensation doing a residential work employing only a few 
hours a day. There need be no dull seasons. Women and children need to 
have shampooing done the year around. The Grace-Mildred Co., 624 S. 

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Michigan Blvd., Chicago, offers helpful correspondence courses. The 
Marinello School, Mailers Bldg., Chicago, with an excellent faculty, offers 
a diploma for the completion of residential courses. Short courses are 
also offered. 

MAIL ORDER BUSINESS 

A mail order business may be started in the home, in the country, 
small town, or city. No person has a monopoly. Hundreds have entered 
the mail order business, and there is room for hundreds and thousands 
more. No license or permit is necessary to start it, and it is not 
necessary to invest much in making a beginning. It may be under- 
taken as a side line, and in this way attended to in spare time or during 
evening hours until it grows to such an extent that all of one's time is 
required. The safest, underlying principle is to sell only goods of merit, 
guarantee everything as represented, do exactly as you agree. Honesty 
and determined effort will win the day. In the beginning, but one article 
need be purchased for sale. By the aid of judicious advertising this 
may be sold to thousands of customers. "You can't expect your ship 
to come in, until you send one out". One can manufacture as well as 
sell products, and thereby claim all of the profit. Articles may be 
bought at wholesale prices and sold through mail and by parcel post. No 
office equipment is necessary with the exception of a desk with pigeon 
holes. One can be her own agent and manager if she chooses. Many 
of the mail order houses in the country today grew from small 
beginnings. 

PROFIT IN PRINTING 

A printing outfit is a most valuable aid in making as well as saving 
money. A $15 or $20 press will earn hundreds of dollars during the 
year. The owner of a $5 press did over $700 worth of business on it in 
three months. A press occupies but small space. Type setting is not 
difficult, any one can learn to operate the press and to set type in one 
day. The work is agreeable and fascinating, and the profits are large, 
while the possibilities; are practically unlimited. Churches are in need 
of printing, bulletins, programs, pledges and envelopes. The hotels 
must have menus, cards, bills of fare, checks, meal tickets and stationery. 
The merchants and store keepers need wrappers, labels, tags, bill heads, 
statements, pricelists, and circulars. The commission houses, real estate 
dealers, insurance men, in fact any line of business, vocation, or pro- 
fession needs this effective means of advertising. Books may be readily 
printed on these presses. A small press will print a single page at a 
time, and a larger press several pages. These may be bound with paper 

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at home or the work may be done by a book binder, in paper cloth or 
leather. Literary work and records may be preserved in this way. 
School and class papers help to develop esprit de corps and articles 
are freely contributed. Cook books and quotation books with the local 
element in them sell readily. The cost may be covered by advertisements. 
The paper should be good, each page of type should measure 4 by 6^2 
inches. Many ideas will suggest themselves. 

BASKETRY 

Basketry is an interesting occupation and one easily acquired. It 
is taught in many of the regular schools and the Daily Vacation Bible 
Schools. The fact that many factories in different parts of the country 
give employment to hundreds of workers throughout the year would serve 
to indicate the demand for baskets of all sizes and varieties, from the 
most dainty to the most useful receptacle. 

As the prices charged for reeds vary greatly, it is well to investigate 
before binding stock. One should become familiar with prevailing prices, 
and then fix prices on his own output, allowing a good profit. Keed is 
sold in various sizes from No. 1 to No. 15. No. 2 is used quite exten- 
sively. Xo. 1 is required for finer work. Raffia rattan, rush and willow 
are also used. Raffia and reed are probably most extensively used, and 
less expensive. In some communities, the different kinds of grass, straw, 
rye, wheat and maiden hair fern stems, long leaf pine, sea grass, broom 
sedge and corn husks are utilized. The Book Supply Co., Chicago, is in 
a position to furnish text on Basketry. These are invaluable to the 
woman or women undertaking this fascinating line of home industry. 
In the way of tools, nippers, pliers, and an awl are the only essentials. 

COLLECTING ANTIQUES 

The wandering around necessary to the collecting of antiques, makes 
it desirable that two should work together. If the collector is willing 
to make her way through uninviting quarters in some cities, she may 
be rewarded by finding some wonderfully wrought specimens of the arts 
and crafts of other days for which the enthusiastic antiquist will be 
willing to pay an almost fabulous price. Quaint table ware, fine fragile 
pieces, oriental vases, and articles in ebony have been found in old junk 
shops. Auctions and sales afford further opportunity for finding charm- 
ing old things, sometimes the gathered store of two or three generations. 

One old lady displays a collection sure to please the fastidious. This 
collection includes a great variety of old fans, laces and shawls, seven- 
teenth century Sicilian lace shawls, and Victorian needle work. A certain 

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college girl lias made some interesting finds. She has disposed of a great 
many grandfather's clocks, old pewter candlesticks, brass pieces, chairs, 
tables, and woven work. The collector of antiques should consult the 
libraries and visit other reliable shops. 

TOY MAKING 

The fact that the large importation of dolls and other toys "made 
in Germany ' ' and other foreign lands is cut off because of war conditions, 
makes it imperative that in the future America turn her attention to 
this most attractive industry of toy making. There are toys and toys. 
Some very simple in construction, others more complex. That toy 
making is in the line of women 's work has been demonstrated by two 
young women, Marie Winegar and Magadele Heuber. One was formerly 
a teacher, the other a worker in wood and metal. At the suggestion of 
friends, their attention was turned toward the making of wooden toys, 
ducks, alligators; all kinds of animals in bright colors have been finding 
their way to the nurseries and play rooms of the boys and girls of this 
country. The business for the first year amounted to $8. By the end 
of the second year a $10,000 business had developed. It is now national 
in its scope. 

RUG WEAVING 

Some one has said that weaving is the climax of the textile industry. 
Be that as it may, there seems to be a real fascination about it, as the 
weaver combines web and woof and blends shades and colors. There is 
a large field for the product of the hand loom today. During the last 
few years, the Colonial rag rug has become a great favorite with many 
as a bath and bed room rug. Exclusive shops show various styles in 
delicate chintz colors for chambers, and more sober tones for living 
rooms. Cotton rug filling can be had in all colors and as many as three 
or four shades of some colors. This enables one to carry out color schemes 
satisfactorily. Cast off garments thoroughly cleaned and dyed have 
wonderful possibilities. The looms manufactured by the Reed Co., 
Springfield, Ohio, are among the best. There are other reliable makes. 
A weaver who began with one loom now supervises the operation of 
eight. One young woman has solved the problem of her economic 
independence and gives employment to twenty-five other women of her 
village. 

RAISING ROOTS AND HERBS 

Some medicinal plants grow wild, others may be cultivated. Good 
profit is made by the collection and sale of drug plants each year. 
Ginseng and Golden Seal are especially attractive propositions. Most drug 



houses do not wish to buy in small lots, but prefer to buy a year's stock 
of an article at one time to save handling, storage, et cetera. Some firms 
ask that all shipments total 100 pounds. Methods of harvesting and 
curing are soon learned. One wholesale house sends the following: 
Flowers should be gathered when in full bloom or just before they 
begin to fade and get dark. They should be carefully dried in the shade. 
Leaves and herbs should be gathered at the time they are in blossom, 
kept free from all large stems, grass and other foreign matter and 
dried in the shade to preserve the bright green color. Barks should be 
gathered when they peel easiest, all the outside portion or ross should 
be shaved off before peeling. Barks of the Roots of shrubs and 'trees 
need not be rossed but should be washed clean and scraped before peeling. 
Care should be used not to expose to dew or rain in drying. Gentle fire 
heat or exposure to sun may be used in drying barks. Roots should be 
dug very early in the spring before plant growth begins or in the late 
summer and fall after the leaves and tops have fully matured. Prices 
are constantly changing. Prices given for today are, Burdock Root, 
hard small roots 15c per pound; Yellow Dock Roots 8c per pound; Dande- 
lion Root 20c per pound; Golden Seal Root $4.75 per pound; Jimson 12c 
per pound; Mandrake Root 6c per pound; Blood Root 10c per ponud; 
Poke Root 4c per pound; Blue Flag Root 10c per pound; and Jimson 
Seed 7c per pound. 

RAISING CANARIES 

One of the most pleasant, fascinating and profitable spare time 
occupations to the bird lover is the raising of canaries. A conservative 
estimate places the profit of breeding birds at $15 to $25 a year each. 
A fine mother canary may be had for $2 to $3.50. A male bird may 
be bought for $5 to $10 according to breed and song. Males trained 
in a number of notes and thrills may be had for $10 to $12. Prices 
vary according to season and scarcity, the quality of the song, and 
other circumstances. For many years most of the singing canaries 
were imported from Europe, a male bird selling for as much as $25. 
The demand is greater than ever, and the importation has ceased. 
A most valuable book, ' ' $500 a Year Raising Canaries ' ', may be had from 
Monarch Specialty Co., Evanston, 111. This book tells all about breed, 
classification, varieties, mating, care of nestlings, and training of song- 
sters. Many have had wonderful success raising birds, even children 
have made enviable records. The above named company is in a position 
to supply a number of specialties, including finches of all kinds, linnets, 
and mule birds, one-half canary and one-half goldfinch, highest grade 

46 



songsters. With a reasonable amount of attention and proper surround- 
ings, one should be able to raise two hundred birds annually. Country 
Life in America and Town and Country are good advertising mediums. 

MAKING COLLECTIONS 

Business and professional men are often obliged in the absence of a 
regular office assistant, to engage some one to make out bills and collect 
accounts for them. The collecting is usually done on a percentage basis. 
Physicians, coal dealers, and others are willing to pay 10 to 25 per 
cent, for collecting. If the account is especially difficult, the rate 
may be increased, or the collector may be allowed to offer some in- 
ducement for settlement. If one has a large number of accounts, time 
and strength may be conserved by arranging the list according to streets 
and taking into account the time at which the one to be interviewed is 
most likely to be at home. To be successful, one must be possessed of 
good business sense, a good bit of tact and unlimited courtesy. 

RENTING FURNITURE FOR APARTMENTS 

One woman whose wealth and palatial home was lost to her in the 
time of great financial stress, still retained in her possession the furni- 
ture for a thirty room house. She was a woman of keen artistic- 
appreciation. Her furniture was much of it of the period type and too 
rare to lead her to suppose that she could realize anything like its real 
value in disposing of it. She took into her confidence a reliable real 
estate man who advised her placing her furniture in renting apartments 
he had for rent in an exclusive section usually occupied by members of 
Congress. Acting upon his suggestion, she had her furniture removed to 
the selected apartments and he listed the rooms. They were all soon 
occupied, and so successful was the enterprise that she soon bought other 
furniture and still other apartments were filled. 

RENTING VACUUM CLEANERS, ETC. 

While in the well ordered home, cleaning is not the domestic bug 
bear it once was, it still occasions anxious thought on the part of many 
housewives. Those who do not own portable cleaners, will be glad to pay 
a reasonable rent. The vacuum cleaner is easy to operate, does the 
cleaning quickly and thoroughly. When the housewife realizes that 
she can clean mattresses and pillows without sending them from the 
house, and rugs without removing them from the floor, she will appreciate 
this service. The waxer and polisher, a device for polishing floors 
greatly reducing the cost of labor, is another convenience in demand. 
The No. 4 Planet Jr., a hand garden machine, combining hill and drill 
seeder, wheel hoe, and cultivator is eagerly sought by gardeners. 



WORKING AT SUMMER RESORTS 

The Employment Bureaus of the college Y. W. C. A. and other student 
organizations have found it greatly to the advantage of those whom 
they endeavor to serve to keep in touch with the best hotels at well 
known summer resorts. Many teachers and college students find employ- 
ment during summer months, serving in various capacities in these hotels. 
The amount of time required by this work is determined by the assign- 
ment and pay varies accordingly. One very frequently finds short hours, 
congenial surroundings, a most delightful vacation, and a degree of 
health at the close of the season that would not have been possible in the 
close confinement of school room or office. Besides board and room, a 
•fair wage is^ paid. The proprietor of a large hotel tried the experiment 
of employing only college girls and teachers with gratifying results. 

PROFESSIONAL SHOPPER 

Often in the small, out of the way places one finds it impossible to 
secure just what she wishes in materials and ready made garments, and 
in the face of lack of assortment and double policy, it seems to become 
necessary to do one of two things, to do without or go to the city to shop. 
The first, one does not wish to do, the second, one can not always find it 
possible to do, though service, quality and satisfaction at standard 
prices are to be found. It is here that the professional shopper comes 
to one 's relief with her helpful service. A woman living in the city 
may feel sure that she will find all of the customers she is able to serve 
and will soon realize a good income. Advertisements in newspapers 
and magazines will bring returns and thus enable one to establish a good 
foundation for future business. Give the best, most conscientious service, 
and patrons will soon see that the outlay for the same is warranted. 
One woman has an unusually large patronage from her own city. Society 
women, teachers, clerks, shut-ins and others make up her list. A pro- 
fessional shopper must early learn to avoid bargains based on deception, 
loss to dealers, sweat shop methods and under pay. She will lead her 
patrons to see that it pays to avoid these shoals and to pay a fair uniform 
price with equal advantage to all. 



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